Quinoa is a nutritious, ancient grain containing a complete protein profile. It is an alternative to white rice or couscous. Quinoa a protein packed food, with its nutty taste and chewy texture, is flavorful as well as filling. It contains all 8 of the essential amino acids, is a complete protein. It is a low-cholesterol source of complex carbohydrates. As a complex carbohydrate, quinoa acts as an internal cleanser, easing the progress of food through the digestive tract.

For vegans, people with lactose intolerance or those who are simply looking for non-dairy sources of this vital mineral, quinoa is a flavorful source of plant-derived calcium. A cup of cooked quinoa offers 15 percent of the U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance of iron, which helps to deliver oxygen to the blood, boosting energy and brain power.

I tried this Quinoa to make payasam and found it is very tasty. Moreover I didn’t feel that I am eating something new. Even my daughter loved its taste very much and she was keep asking me for more.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup – Quinoa
• 1 to 1 1/2 cups – Water
• 3 cups  - Milk
• 1/2 to 1 cup – Sugar (as needed)
• 1 no – Cardamom
• 7 to 8 nos – Cashew nuts
• 5 nos – Raisins
• 1 tsp – Ghee

Preparation method:

How to cook Quinoa:

• Cooking quinoa is much like rice. Wash and soak quinoa for 1/2 an hour, combine 1/2 cup of quinoa with 1 to 1 1/2 cup of water in a pot. Bring it to boil, turn heat on low, cover and cook for 15 mins. Let it cool for 5 mins, fluff with fork. Set aside.
• Quinoa is cooked when each grain is translucent and white germ is visible.

Making of payasam:

1. Heat ghee in a pan, add cashews and raisin roast them till they are golden brown .Remove and keep it aside.
2. Boil milk on low flame for 10 to 15 mins. Once milk gets boiled add the cooked quinoa and stir well. Add sugar and crushed cardamom, mix well.
3. Finally add fried cashew nuts and raisins and mix well. Now easy and delicious payasam is ready to serve.

Notes:

• Instead of Sugar, you can also add Jaggery.
• Some of you may have question that where to buy Quinoa. I bought Quinoa from Costco. You can try in other grocery stores too.